Nationwide protests: NLC not after your job, Ajaero replies Tinubu
By Emma Ogbuehi
In response to his scathing remarks against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) concerning its nationwide protests over the rising cost of living in the country, the Congress, on Friday told President Bola Tinubu that Organised Labour is not after his job, but better living conditions for Nigerians, especially workers.
The workers’ body had, on Tuesday, embarked on a nationwide protest over the worsening hunger, suffering and poverty across the country, an action that Tinubu considered an affront to his administration.
In a statement by its President, Joe Ajaero, NLC said, “The recent statements attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the commissioning of the Red-Line Railway Project have sparked deep concern within the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). We find these remarks, particularly those concerning the role of Labour in governance, to be profoundly at variance with the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians under existing policies.
“President Tinubu’s insinuation that Labour lacks the moral ground to challenge his administration, merely nine months into office, is deeply troubling. Moreover, his focus on partisan issues and the distant 2027 election cycle, rather than the urgent needs of the populace, further underscores a disconnect from the realities faced by Nigerians on a daily basis.
“It is regrettable that the President seems oblivious of the profound hardship endured by millions of Nigerians. The pervasive hunger, unemployment, housing insecurity, and escalating costs of basic necessities such as food and healthcare demand immediate attention and decisive action. Yet, instead of addressing these pressing concerns, President Tinubu appears preoccupied with political calculations and future electoral prospects.
“The NLC wishes to emphasise that our primary objective is not to vie for political positions, including that of the President. Rather, our sole focus is on advocating for effective governance that prioritises the welfare and security of all Nigerians. We urge President Tinubu to redirect his efforts towards fulfilling this fundamental duty of public office, rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
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“It is imperative that we refocus our collective energy on addressing the substantive issues that have been the subject of engagement between Labour and the government since June 2023. These include critical matters such as wage increases, social welfare programs, infrastructure development, and the revitalization of key sectors such as education and healthcare.
“In any case to avoid the dissipation of energy, it is important that we focus on the real issues because we have engaged the government since June 2023 after the ‘subsidy is gone’ statement. The issues are around the non-implementation of agreements reached between us and the government.
“For example; on June 5, 2023 after the hike in the Price of PMS, the following agreements were reached between us and the Government viz:
Review Proposal for Wage Increase and Award including framework for timing and implementation
Review the program of Cash Transfer and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the program
Review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation
Revive the CNG conversion programs
Review the framework for the completion of rehabilitation work on the Nation’s refineries
Review framework for the maintenance of Roads and expansion of Rail networks across the country.
“Mr. President, these agreements were reached but the Committee that was saddled with working on these was never inaugurated and none of them was implemented until we were forced to organize a nationwide rally while the president gave his personal commitment. However, Mr. President, nothing came out of your promises.
“It took another round of protests for the October 2, 2023 agreement to be reached. We outline the agreement below so that your government will tell Nigerians which one it has been able to implement.
They are;
The first item on the Agreement is the N35,000 Wage Award.
Port Harcourt Refinery will come on stream by December, 2023
25,000 cash transfers to 15 million poor household would be implemented
Tax waivers for workers, small businesses and general public
Government interference in the internal affairs of the National Union of Road
Transport Workers (NURTW) and RTEAN to be stopped
The agreement will be deposited as settlement with the Court by Government.
That CNG buses and 55,000 conversion kits will be provided
All parties shall henceforth commit to the use of social dialogue in all of our engagements
The National Minimum Wage Committee to be set up immediately.
Outstanding Wages and Salaries for Tertiary Education workers in all federally – owned educational institutions to be paid
States and Private sectors to be compelled by the federal government to give Wage Award to workers
Fertilizer initiative to farmers across the nation
Provision of funds for MSMEs across the nation
Visitation to the Refinery to monitor completion of the PH refinery
Once again Mr. President, these are the issues and not election or perhaps seeking to take over your job.
“We would want Mr. President to show us the items his government has implemented in this agreement. Perhaps, the Government wants to tell Nigerians that we do not have right to ask that it complies with the agreement it willingly reached with us?
“But beside all these, in the two MoUs signed with this government on the 5th of June and October 2nd 2023, which item has his government implemented beside rhetoric. The first MoU has seven items while the second has 15 items. It has been a chain of broken promises not only to Labour but to hungry Nigerians.
“President Tinubu’s administration must be held accountable for the commitments made in previous agreements with Labour.
“It is disheartening to note the apparent lack of progress in implementing these agreements, despite repeated assurances from the government. Nigerians deserve transparency and tangible results, not empty promises and bureaucratic delays.
“Furthermore, the use of divisive language and veiled threats against Labour by President Tinubu is unacceptable. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders to foster constructive dialogue and collaboration in addressing the myriad challenges facing our nation. Violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society, and any attempt to suppress dissent will only exacerbate tensions and undermine our collective efforts towards progress and prosperity.
“The NLC reiterates its unwavering commitment to championing the interests of Nigerian workers and the broader populace. We call upon President Tinubu to heed the voices of ordinary Nigerians, prioritize governance over politics, and take meaningful steps towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.”